Honor, Michigan camping areas lie between Crystal Lake and Platte River in Benzie County. The region's sandy soil and lake-studded landscape offers both established campgrounds and glamping options within a 15-mile radius. Summer temperatures typically range from 58-79°F with humidity levels around 65%, making late spring through early fall the primary camping season.
What to Do
Fishing opportunities: Betsie River Campsite attracts many anglers with its riverfront location. "Betsie river runs behind the campground. Wildlife is present in area. Beautiful," notes camper Nancy C. The campground offers a dedicated fish cleaning station for your catch.
Kayaking and canoeing: Multiple waterways provide paddling options near Honor. At Northern Exposure Campground, "If you bring your kayak, there are many places to put into the river," according to reviewer Allison H. The campground sits directly on the Manistee River, providing easy water access.
Biking on paved trails: The region features connected bike paths perfect for family outings. "There is a paved trail that runs by the campground, and it's less than a 3 mile walk/bike ride to downtown Frankfort and the lakeshore," explains Chris W. about Betsie River Campsite. These trails connect multiple communities without requiring road travel.
What Campers Like
Clean facilities: Turtle Lake Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance. "The bathrooms were redone and are very nice!" reports Ann D. Another camper, Lindsey G., noted, "The shower stalls were individual and clean, the area was filled with campers and RVs and everyone was SO friendly."
Lakefront settings: Many campgrounds offer direct water access. "Turtle Lake is a perfect mix of campers! Very family friendly, but spaced out well enough for privacy. They have a nice beach area and areas to fish," shares Chris R. The lake is particularly known for its large snapping turtles, making it a unique fishing experience.
Seasonal activities: Holiday Park Campground organizes special events throughout camping season. "We went for the Halloween weekend. We had fun. The wooded sites were wonderful," reports Craig F. These themed weekends typically include decorating contests, trick-or-treating, and communal activities.
What You Should Know
Site spacing varies widely: Some campgrounds pack sites closely together. At Orchard Beach State Park, "The sites are as compact and close together as possible," warns Richard E., who also mentions that "in the evening if all the sites are full, a smogtacular smoke cloud hovers over this campground." Consider this if you have breathing sensitivities.
Beach access limitations: Water levels on Lake Michigan fluctuate. "Due to high waters the past few years there is no beach. This is still a family favorite and perfect if you want to go into Manistee," explains Joie V. about Orchard Beach State Park. Always check current conditions before planning water-based activities.
Reservation requirements: Most popular campgrounds fill quickly during summer months. Sites with hookups and weekend dates book fastest, often months in advance. Holiday weekends typically require reservations 6 months ahead, especially for lakefront or riverfront sites.
Tips for Camping with Families
Multiple playgrounds: Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort offers extensive child-friendly amenities. "There is no shortage of activities here: a small pond/beach, pool, jumping pillow, dodgeball, bike trails, ATV trails, crafts, parades, etc. It's great for the active family, particularly those with elementary & middle school age kids," explains Allison H.
Safety considerations: Look for campgrounds with limited traffic flow. "It's a no brainer for us to return. Would be tempted to look into buying a lot (if our rig qualified). If you make plans, book early," advises George W. about Holiday Park Campground, noting its well-designed layout minimizes vehicle traffic.
Family-sized sites: Some campgrounds offer larger group areas. At Northern Exposure Campground, one visitor notes it's "perfect for campers of most experience and age levels. If you are looking for rugged, wilderness/secluded camping it's probably not your place but for everyone else it's a hidden gem."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. At Betsie River Campsite, one reviewer notes, "Sites look level but it's deceiving." Bringing additional leveling blocks is recommended even at sites marked as level.
Hook-up configurations: Electric service varies between campgrounds. "Some sites only have 20 amp service," mentions Kristine E. about Betsie River Campsite. For larger RVs requiring 50-amp service, verify availability when booking at any glamping location near Honor, Michigan.
Accessibility between towns: Position yourself strategically for exploring multiple areas. The region's campgrounds provide access to different attractions, with Holiday Park offering "access on silver lake, very nice. Rented a pontoon boat from an outside company and spent the day on the beautiful lake," according to Patrick.